>V 4017 
M35 
opy 1 



THE DUTIES 



OF THE 



PASTORAL OFFICE, 



l 9 

DELIVERED IN THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN ALEXANDRIA. 



AT THE 



ORDINATION 

or 

WELLS JUTimEWSy 

JANUARY 11, 1818; 

SSefore t§e $re$&pterp of mimfit$ttx$ 
BY JOHN MATHEWS, A. M, 



ALEXANDRIA. 

PRINTED BY CORSE & ROUNSAVELL, 
18ia 



"13 l^o/7 



In Presbytery January l 2 , 1818. 
On motion, Resvlved, That the Rev. John Mathews be requested to 
furnish for publication a copy of his Sermon delivered at tke Ordination 
last evening. 

JOHN MINES, Moderator. 
SAMUEL B. WILSON, Clerk: 



At a meeting of the Session of the Second Presbyterian Church, Ja- 
nuary 13, 

On motion, Resolved, That a copy of the Sermon delivered by the 
Rev. John Mathews, in the Second Presbyterian Church on the 11th inst. 
be requested for publication. 

WELLS ANDREWS, Moderator. 
THOMAS VOWELL, Clerk. 



lift 



Iff 
g 



THE DUTIES 

OF THE 

A SERMON. 

UWWWWWVWWVWlVVWtViVllW'MWVVlW 



Ephe. iv. 11, L2. And he gave some, Apostles ; and some, prophets ; 
and some, evangelists ; and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of 
the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ. 

" See that thou make all things according to the pattern 
shewed to the in the mount," was flic admonition of God to 
Moses when about to make the tabernacle. He was not left to 
construct it according to the plan which his own wisdom could 
furnish. Its length and its breadth, its depth and its height, 
its covering and its sides, its rings and its bars, were all prescri- 
bed by Him for whose worship it was intended. Even Solomon, 
the wisest of men, was not permitted to draught the plan of that 
magnificent temple which be reared for the worship of Jehovah. 
*For that splendid edifice, a pattern, embracing in detail, its 
proportions and materials, its porches and courts, its chambers 
and treasuries, its pillars and their chapiters, the weight of gold 
for use and for ornament, was delivered to him by his father, 
David, who received it " by the spirit of the Lord making him 
understand, in writing, by his hand upon him, all the works of 
this pattern." The skill of Solomon and his architects consist- 
ed in filling up this plan, sketched by the wisdom of Him, who 
launched the world hi its orbit, and framed the heavens by his 
word . These, thir mad e with hands are yet "buildings of God," 
and rise according to his directions. Even in their very con- 
struction, the loftiest human intellect must learn obedience to 
the divine will. 

If, then, such an accurate observance of the divine plan was 
required in erecting these buildings, so soon to be shaken and 
r^mbvcl, rauy we not much more expect that the same wisdom 



i 

will furnish the plan for that spiritual house, which is to re- 
main unshaken ? This too is to rise by the instrumentality of 
human agents : these agents have the promise of the same 
spirit who furnished the pattern to the king of Israel : they 
too have a writing to which it is their duty to render obedience. 
If the Divine Architect arranged the orderand dimensions of 
the Jewish temple, how much more will he beautify & strength- 
en this holy temple, the christian churchy with the plans of his 
wisdom ? If the builders of the first house were not permitted 
to alter its order, the builders of the second should also beware, 
lest they depart from the directions of their divine Master. 
If, in the first instance, the materials were all to be prepared 
before they were brought to the place, that neither the sound 
,of hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron, should be heard 
while the house is progressing ; so now the materials must be 
fitly framed together ; that they grow unto an holy temple 
for the Lord. The foundation is already laid, deep and firm, 
amply sufficient to bear the superstructure : the building has 
commenced, and is p ogressing ; in due time the last stone will 
be laid, with the joyful acclamation of Grace, Grace, unto it. 
Bat every man is cautioned how he builds on this foundation. 
If lie labors to execute the plan sketched out in heaven, he 
shall receive a reward ; but if, regardless of this plan, he adopts 
his own views of propriety and order as the rule of his work, 
he will retard the progress, and marr the beauty of the building : 
he shall suffer loss ; though he himself may be saved. 

The Mosaic economy, with its tabernacle and its ark, its tern 
pie, numerous rites, sacrifices and solemn feasts, was admirably 
calculated to answer as a dispensation introductory to the gospel. 
Having answered this purpose, as the reign of heaven ap- 
proached, it began to vanish away. No sooner did the Saviour 
commence his public ministry, proclaiming the acceptable year 
of the Lord, than the true worshippers, released, in part at 
least, from the Jewish ritual, began to worship the Father in 
3pirit and in truth. Even from the days of John the Baptist, 
some were found pressing into the kingdom through a gate, 
different from that guarded by Moses and the Prophets. Du- 
ring his life the Saviour was employed in preparing the way 
for the new order and permanent establishment of his kingdom. 
As a motive to repentance, it was frequently announced as at 
hand ; and his disciples were taught to pray for its approach. 
Much of his time was spent in sowing the seed which was soon 
to yield a glorious harvest / in preparing his apostles for the 



high and important office which they were to fill under the new 
dispensation. The change, however, was not completely ef- 
fected till after his exaltation to the right hand of power. Then, 
having ascended up on high, having led captivity captive, he 
gave gifts unto men. The% as the King and Bead over all 
things, did he appoint those offices, whether temporary or per- 
manent, which the exigencies of the church required 

And he gape some — ^Apostles. This was the highest 
office in the church ; of course it included a right in &e person 
who filled it, to exercise the functions of all the inferior offices. 
They, in common with the pastors and teachers, were authorised 
to preach the word, administer the sacraments, and exercise 
discipline in the church ; but there were other duties and quali- 
fications peculiar to them. A special call from the Saviour 
seems to have been peculiar to this office. Thus from the 
whole number of disciples he selected twelve, whom he named 
apostles. And when a vacancy occurred by the treachery and 
death of Judas, he sanctioned the measures, adopted by the 
eleven to fill that vacancy, by bestowing on Mathias. the gifts 
of the Spirit, in the same degree as on the other Apostles.* 
Another thing required in an Apostle was, to have seen the 
Lord after his resurrection, that they might be duly qualified to 
bear witness to that fact. Thus the eleven required as a qua- 
lification in the person who should take part of the Apos- 
tleship with them that lie had " companied with them" from 
the baptism of John to the ascension ; that he might be a witness 
with them of the resurrection. It was also peculiar to the 
Apostles to confer on others the gifts of the Spirit, and the 
power of working miracles. They were also appointed 
the infallible teachers of the doctrines of the gospel. For se- 
veral years after the ascension, no part of the New Testament 
was committed to writing ; but the life, miracles and doctrine 
of the Saviour were made known, in an authoritative manner 
by the Apostles. Several important doctrines were not im- 
parted, during his life, to the Apostles ; because they were 
not able to bear them ; but the Comforter was promised, who 
should lead them into all truth ; and by whose inspiration 



* Some arc of the opinion that Peter acted without sufficient authority 
In this case ; others think, however, that his conduct was correct ; and that 
he might have been moved by the spirit, though this is not mentioned. The 
first would, if true, only affect the above remarks, so far as they relate to 
the appointment of Mathias. The discussion would be too lengthy for this 
place — it is therefore dismissed.- 



\livv were to complete the revelation of God to man. By the 
same inspiration they were authorised to appoint and establish 
the permanent order ami discipline of the church. 

All these particulars concur in proving that Paul was 
cloathed with Apostolic authority — He was called to be an 
Apostle : though last of all, yet he had seen the Lord ; he 
conferred on others the power of working miracles ; through 
him, as a chosen organ, was revealed much of the doctrinal 
part of the New Testament. To those, therefore, who ques- 
tioned his title to this office, he might with emphasis, direct 
the enquiry — Am I not an Apostle ? 

If these are the peculiarities of the Apostleship, then, of 
course, it is utterly impossible, without a constant succession 
of miracles, that they can have any successors. The office 
ceased with those who were first invested with it. The order 
and discipline of the church being permanently fixed ; the will 
of God being fully revealed; the functions of this office were 
no longer required. 

And he gave some— -Prophets. To these it belonged to 
predict future events. Some suppose that from them was also 
expected the infallible exposition of the Old Testament ; and 
that to qualify them for this office, the inspiration, called the 
word of knowledge^ was given to them. All that was peculiar 
to this office has ceased with the exigencies of the times which 
required it. 

And he gave some — Evangelists. This appears to differ 
from the pastoral office in no other respect than that the evange- 
lists were not confined to a particular charge. Tliey travelled 
from place to place, from country to country, in obedience to 
the orders of the Apostles, to preach the gospel, and organize 
churches. Such were Timothy and Titus ; Philip also, one 
of the seven deacons (Tor there is nothing incompatible in the 
two offices) was an evangelist. The office of missionaries, in 
modern times corresponds with that of evangelist; and the 
state of the church, and of the world, calls loudly far its con- 
tinuance. We trust it is the fervent prayer of christians, that 
the attention of every destitute neighborhood in our conntry 
may soon be roused by the voice of an evangelist, of true pri- 
mitive Spirit And for the heathen nations, God grant that 
where we have one, we had an hundred ! The dark empire 
of Satan ; the wide wastes of the world, are more than suffi- 
cient to employ ( is exertions. 

And save #oi • and Teachers. As we, my 



brethren in the ministry., are accountable to Christ and to each 
other as pastors of the church ; and as we have met this day for 
the purpose of investing a brother with the ministerial character, 
and constituting between him and this congregation the pastoral 
relation, let us, through divine assistance, make this office the 
subject of a few reflections. ' 

1. The appointment of the pastoral office. — That the text 
contains a complete enumeration of all ministerial offices ; and 
that these offices were adapted to the exigencies of the church, 
may be assumed from the wisdom of Him who appointed them. 
If Apostles and Prophets have performed their part and left 
no successors, because the church no longer required the exer- 
cise of their functions ; by tlie same mode of reasoning we may 
infer the permanency of the pastoral office. So long as man- 
kind are in danger of perishing for lack of knowledge, so long 
will the labor of teachers be necessary to furnish that know- 
ledge. The lambs of Christ will still require to be fed and 
protected by the skilful and affectionate pastor. The children 
of Grod will still require the administration of the sacraments and 
ordinances of his house, for their " spiritual nourishment and 
growth in grace. " The greatest prosperity of the Redeemer's 
kingdom; the most triumphant state of religion this guilty 
world shall ever witness, will not supercede the duties of the 
pastoral office — Then, more than ever, will thirsty souls desire 
the pure water of life ji then, more than ever, will the admi- 
nistration of baptismal water, and the consecrated emblems of 
the Saviour's death be required. For then, especially, will the 
precepts of the gospel be cheerfully obeyed,and all the ordinances 
of the sanctuary receive a delightful attention ; and then, espe- 
cially, will the zealous pastor be employed in the duties of his 
office. If then the necessities of the church will always re- 
quire this office, we cannot suppose that he who purchased 
it with his own blood would deny it this gift, or leave it desti- 
tute of this provision. Accordingly we find that the catalogue 
of ministerial offices is not completed till that of pastor is added , 
When, therefore, the pastor appears among his people, he ap- 
pears cloathed with an office of divine appointment, as the am- 
bassador of Jesus Christ, in whose name he ministers — a con- 
sideration furnishing many inducements to fidelity and zeal on 
his part, and to diligent attention and obedience on the part of 
his flock. 

No single term, indeed, can be found expressive of all the 



8 

-duties devolved on a minister of the gospel. " Hence it is thai 
the person who fills this office, has, in scripture, obtained dif- 
ferent names expressive of his various duties. As he has the 
oversight of the H ock of Christ, he is termed bishop. As he 
feeds tiiem with spiritual food, he is termed pastor. As he 
serves Christ in the church he is termed minister. As it is 
his duty to be grave and prudent, and an example of the flock, 
and to govern well in the house and kingdom of Christ, he is 
termed presbyter, or elder. As he is the messenger of God, 
he is termed the angel of the church. As he is sent to declare 
the will of God to sinners, and beseech them to be reconciled 
xo God through Christ, he is termed ambassador. And, as he 
dispenses the manifold grace of God, and the ordinances insti- 
tuted by Christ he is termed steward of the mysteries of God." 
These terms, however, in scripture, are frequently applied to 
the same persons, in their official character ; and cannot, there- 
fore be intended to express different offices, but the various du- 
ties of one and the same office, All these duties are included 
in the work of the same ministry ; and are intended to promote 
the same end — the edification of the body of Christ. 

The rite of investiture with the sacred office is also of di- 
vine appointment, or may be inferred from the example of in- 
fallible teachers. From the earliest period of the church, men 
have been set apart to the duties of this station by prayer, and 
the imposition of hands. The first pastors of the church were 
thus ordained. In this manner Paul and Barnabas were set 
apart to the work to which they were called. Timothy also 
was invested with this gift of God in the same manner. Bis 
case indeed is very instructive, as it furnishes us with the term 
by which the ordaining body was called : He was invested 
with the sacred office by prophecy with the laying on of the 
hands of the presbytery. A presbytery consists of two or 
more presbyters or persons already ordained to the ministerial 
office. From this case we further learn, that it was customary 
for one member of the presbytery to preside, during the so- 
lemn transaction. By a common mode of speaking, the per- 
son who presides, might address the person ordained without 
mentioning the other members ; or as if the ordination had 
been performed by himself alone. The Apostle Paul seems 
fo have presided at the ordination of Timothy ; for he after- 
wards addresses him in this manner — I put thee in remem- 
brance that thou stir up the gift of God that is in thee by thf 
putting on rf my hard* 



Thus, my brother, in obedience to this authority, and in 
imitation of this example, at your own request, and the request 
of this congregation, we intend by prayer and the imposition 
of hands, to invest you with the pastoral office ; and by giving 
you " the right hand of fellowship invite you to take part of this 
ministry with us." 

2. Let us next advert to the qualifications for the pas- 
toral office. These may be learned from the sacred volume, 
and from the nature and design of the office. 

It would appear necessary, that he whose profession is 
preaching, should possess the organs of speech in tolerable 
perfection . The person who, from a natural defect which no dili- 
gence can overcome, speaks with great difficulty, will excite such 
painful emotions in the hearers as to divert theh\a Mention from 
the truth, on which it ought to be fixed. Such a person 
may possess the brightest intellects, may be embellished 
with all the stores of literature, may live the most exemplary 
life, mty feel the most ardent zeal for the prosperity of Zion ; 
but, certainly, he mistakes the sphere of his duty when he 
claims to be invested with the ministerial office : I or a bishop 
must be apt to teach. 

A sound judgment should qualify the pastor for the 
functions of his sacred profession. For want of this, a series 
of jests and buffooneries is sometimes heard from the pulpit, 
calculated only to excite the merriment of the giddy and thought 
less multitude. It is even more painful than to hear the 
stammerings of defective elocution to witness the grandeur and 
sacred rvess of religion exposed to contempt and ridicule for the 
want of that inestimable quality — common sense. Such per- 
sons should be advised to occupy a station where their incura- 
ble propensity for eccentricities would not produce such aiHic- 
five results as hi the gospel ministry. Although the church 
enjoys the labors of many whose talents are of the first order, 
yet her dearest interests can be defended and promoted by 
men of ordinary parts. A large majority of her pastors are 
men whose genius awakes no admiration, but whose sound 
judgment, improved by study and application, furnishes such 
exhibitions of the gospel as are calculated to magnify their of- 
fice, to perfect the saints, to edify the body of Christ. We 
are justified in contending for this qualification ; for the Apos- 
tle Paul has declared that a bishop must be sober, that is, of a 
sound mind. 

Learning; is another qualification highly useful in a pastor 



of the church ; but what degree of it should be considered iu- 
dispensibly necessary, is not so easy to determine. That he 
should possess such a knowledge of the language which he 
speaks as to avoid those blunders and improprieties which 
grieve the pious and discerning, can be useful to none, and in 
many excite impressions unfavorable to religion, is quite obvi- 
ous. It is equally clear that he should be acquainted with the- 
ology, the very science which lie professes to teach. The chris- 
tian minister is bound by his profession to spend his life in 
explaining the Bible — a book written in languages, which, for 
centuries past have not been spoken by any nation. Every one 
must admit that great advantage would be derived from a 
knowledge of these languages. The religious instructor would 
thus be able to judge for himself, respecting the various, and 
often conflicting;, opinions, expressed by interpreters. That 
course of science usually taught in the colleges and seminaries 
of learning in our country will also be highly useful. He will 
thus be enabled, from a knowledge of the works of God, to de- 
rive many striking illustrations of his word. By the acquisi- 
tion of these sciences, a habit of study, of discrimination and 
of accurate reasoning will be formed. History will amply re- 
pay liim for the time spent in its perusal. Profane history is 
jit tie else than the history of human depravity, afflicting and 
desolating tlie world in all afises : for this evil it will be the la- 
bor of his life to proclaim the only effectual remedy — the 
grace of God. His liveliest sympathy must be awakened when 
he traces in the page of ecclesiastical history, the church of 
Christ, passing through those various changes which diversi- 
fied her external slate; sometimes betrayed by professed friends, 
now assaulted by avowed enemies, alternately clouded with 
ignorance, distracted with error, burdened with useless rites, 
deformed with superstitution, and often bleeding under the hand 
of persecution ; but still living, still guarded, still supported, 
still cherished and loved by Him who is ever in the midst of her 
and has declared that the gates of hell shall never prevail 
against her. 

Tt is admitted there are some, who, without this learning, 
discharge the duties of the pastoral office in a manner reputa- 
ble to themselves and useful to the church. u We do not say 
that a liberal education is absolutely essential to a man's use- 
fulness in the ministry of the gospel ; but reason and experience 
both demonstrate its high importance and utility.*' And, if we 
love the oMrch. will we not labor U> acquire those qualifications 



11 , 

so useful in promoting her interests ? Several years are oil en 
spent in acquiring a knowledge of the mechanical arts before 
the business is commenced, that when it is commenced, it 
may be prosecuted to greater advantage. And shall we 
consider those years as lost which are spent i acquiring 
that knowledge, that habit of study, that discipline of the 
mind, that expansion of thought, tiiat maturity of intellect 
which will render the labors of future life better calcula- 
ted to defend and promote the cause of religion ? Certain- 
ly these deficiencies should be cause of regret ; not of 
boasting and self complacency. The first preachers of the gospel 
were educated by miracle — a method which it would be absurd 
for us to expect. They were not permitted to leave Jerusalem 
till endued from on high with that tvisdom and knowledge of 
languages which qualified them for the duties of their office. 
We might suppose that the constant labors of Paul would 
leave but little time for reading ; but, such were his studious 
habits, and such was his literary taste, that lie as naturally sends 
for his books, and especially his parchment, as for his cloak. 
His vigorous mind was improved with all the learning of his 
country ; therefore, well knowing its value, he enjoins it on 
Timothy to give attendance to reading and mi^Mution, as well 
as to exhortation and doctrine, that his profiting might appear 
to all. 

The progressive state of learning in our country calls; for 
increasing attention in the pastors of the church to this subject. 
The adversaries of Christ and his cause are often men of exten- 
sive literary acquirements. And shall the advocates of trtfth, 
through their own negligence, be laid under the necessity of 
meeting them on terms so unequal? No : let them ever be ready 
to front these children of mischief on equal terms. In that case, 
none need tremble for the issue of the contest. The influence 
of the most profound erudition will not destroy, but strengthen 
and support the claims of Christianity. The works and word 
of God are always consistent .: the most accurate and extensive 
knowledge of the one will but confirm the other. 

The chief qualification, however, for usefulness, in the 
pastoral- oWice, is piety ; genuine, fervent. The powers of 
darkness never wielded, against the cause of Christ,' a more 
dangerous weapon than an irreligious. clergyman; especially 
if the garb of morality conceals from public view the base infi- 
delity of his heart. JRis learning and talents only rentier, him 
the more dangerons His ministrations can on*y increase the 



12 

torpor of spiritual death among the flock committed to his 
charge, in him the love of religion can have no place ; he 
must, therefore, be influenced by some selfish and mercenary 
motive. Perhaps the revenue of the church, his yearly sa- 
lary, is all the reward he desires. Or if ambition should be 
Jiis ruling passion ; if he thirst for literary fame, then he will 
permit his hearers to sink quietly down to perdition, provided 
they depart with the language of adulation to his vanity on 
their lips. Or perhaps he claims to be distinguished as a man of 
zeal : tnen no sacrifices, not even compassing sea and land, will 
be too great to gain proselytes. His learning and talents will be 
employed in biting and devouring those on whom his efforts 
prove ineffectual But if he can succeed in teaching the shib- 
boleth of his party, and drill his followers in all the routine of 
external forms, then his work is accomplished, and he ex- 
pects his reward. From such a scourge, may the Lord, in 
mercy, preserve his church ! and send her pastors after his 
own heart, who shall feed her children with knowledge and 
understanding, whose experimental acquaintance with religion 
will qualify them to guide others in their passage from death 
unto life ; whose temptations, and sorrows, and tiials will qua- 
lify them to sympathize with their people when tempted, af- 
flicted and distressed; whose acquaintance with the Saviour, 
whose hope in his mercy, will dispose them, in the most invi- 
ting terms, to recommend him to others as a willing and all 
sufficient Saviour; whose closets will often witness the fervor 
and humble importunity of their private devotions for the suc- 
cess of their ministry : whose people, though they perish in 
unbelief, will yet be constrained to confess that they were so- 
lemnly and repeatedly warned! to flee from the wrath to 
come ! 

The power of vital religion will bend the loftiest intellect 
in humble subserviency to the grand designs of the gospel, and 
consecrate the richest stores of learning to the purpose of in- 
structing the ignorant, of making wise the simple, of render- 
ing the plan of redemption through Jesus Christ intelligible to 

weakest capacity. The pious pastor will repose all his 
hopes of success in the sovereign mercy and grace of God ; 
well remembering that Paul man plant, and .Ipolhs water : 
but God giveth the increase. When he feels the lore of 

ist constraining him, bearing him along with a mild and 
vet commanding and forcible impulse this will sv, eeten 

I tboriona duties of his station, and lighten the pressure of 



18 

'its difficulties : tins will render him perfectly contented, though 
convinced that his office is not die high road to the wealth or ho- 
nor of this world : this will often lead him from the scene of 
public duties to the retirement of his closet 5 there, with min- 
gled emotions, to converse with his God and his Saviour ; 
there to blush and grieve for the coldness and languor of his 
heart in so good a cause ; there to confess and weep over the 
imperfections of his best services ; there, sometimes, with a 
heart overflowing with gratitude to offer up his devout acknow- 
ledgements for the least appearance of success in the v/orks of 
the ministry ; there, with tears, to commend his people to the 
grace of God ; there to derive encouragement by rejecting on 
the life, the labors and sufferings of Jesus, his divine master, 
and by listening to his animating voice — lo, I am icith yon al- 
ways, even to the endofilie world: be faithful unto death, and 
I will give yon a crown of life I 

May I not, my brethren in the ministry, appeal with con 
iidence to your judgment and experience for the truth of these 
remarks ? When is it that you can most unreservedly and 
cheerfully devote your time, your talents and your learning to 
the single purpose of promoting the Redeemer s Kingdom ; 
that you rejoice in becoming the teachers of babes, the instruc- 
tors of the ignorant ; when can you warn, with the most affec- 
tionate concern, the unruly and impenitent, with the most lively 
sympathy ; comfort the desponding and distressed, with the 
most animating zeal| encourage the believer ; when do you. 
most feel the spirit of those martyrs who, with tranquility 
and firmness viewed the engines of torture, mounted the 
scaffold, or approached the burning stake, rather than re- 
linquish the duties of their office ; when can you most 
easily bear with a meek and forgiving temper, the cold 
neglect, the frowns and reproaches of an ungodly and inconsi- 
derate world, and say, none of these things move us ; nei- 
ther count we our life dear to us, so that we might fi- 
nish our course with joy, and the ministry which we 
have received of the Lord Jesus ; when can you see, with- 
out a murmur, the companions of your youth, your class 
mates in academical studies, having embarked in other profes 
sions, grasping the honor and acquiring the wealth of this 
world ; when do you? closets witness, in reference to your mi- 
nistry, the most humble confessions, the most grateful ac- 
knowledgements, the most fervent supplications offered up to 
the Father of Mercies : when do you resolve, with .re -sn Imp N>cl 



14 

zeal, to spend, not only your life, but, if God permit, your last 
hour, your last brcatn, in preaching the gospel, in proclaiming 
salvation, in recommending the Saviour to perishing sinners? 
Is it not when you have the most scriptural evidence to believe. 
that the divine spirit is performing in your own hearts 
the work of faith with power f Is it not when the 
love of God is shed abroad, is poured forth, with all its 
transforming energies into your own hearts ; when Christ 
is most precious to you ; when a view of his suffering:* and 
death affects you with the deepest sense of your own guilt ; 
when a view of his mercy inspires you with the liveliest hopes 
of your own salvation ? 

Conscious, then, of the indispensable necessity of genuine 
piety, as a qualification for the sacred office, as guardians sta- 
tioned at the gate, leading to that office, let us, as our constitution 
directs, always make religion, experimental religion, the 
very first object of enquiry in all candidates for the gospel mi- 
nistry. Let us never, through the neglect of this' duty become 
partakers of oilier men's sins. Let us neither licence to preach 
nor induct into the pastoral office, any man who does not first 
satisfy these enquiries. These remarks remind us of another 
subject claiming attention — 

3. The duties of the pastoral office. These, every pas- 
tor will find, sufficiently numerous to occupy his whole time ; 
and sufficiently arduous and important to employ all the talents, 
and learning, and piety which he can possibly bring tothetask. 
With the faithful discharge of these duties, is closely connected 
the prosperity of that part of the church with which he is more 
immediately concerned ; his own peace of mind, and hopes of 
acceptance with God ; and the dearest interests the eternal 
salvation of the people committed to his charge. 

Every pastor is, by virtue of his ordination, a member of 
Presbytery, of Synod, and occasionally may be of the General 
Assembly— those ecclesiastical judicatories, constituted for the 
purpose of exercising government and discipline, and of devi- 
sing measures calculated to promote the general interest of the 
church. Punctuality in attending these judicatories is unques- 
tionably his duty, unless prevented by imperious necessity. 
Principles of government, cases of discipline, points of doc- 
trine, and other subjects involving the deepest interest of the 
J redeemer's kingdom, and of the world, are, in these meetings 
often discussed : these discussions he should aid by all the wis- 
dom and prudence of which he is possessed. 






io 

But among bis own people, over vchom the Holy Spirit 
has made him bishop or overseer? is the scene of his principal 
labors. These are the people whom he is to guide through the 
darkness,and sorrows, and toils, and temptations of this life,to the. 
s and dories of heaven. These are the lambs this is the 



£>■ 



flock he is to feed. To these he is united by the most endear 
ing ties. To these his thoughts turn with peculiar interest from 
the greatest distance to which he is removed from them, for 
here are the sources of his purest earthly delight 5 and here 
too are the causes of some of his deepest anxieties, and bitter- 
est sorrows. 

The purpose for the accomplishment of which the pastoral 
office was appointed is, the perfecting of Saints ; the edifying 
of the body of Christ. This is a short, but very comprehen- 
sive sketch of his duties who fills that office. 

For this purpose he is to assist, when necessary, in the 
exercise of discipline. \\ e may sometimes find that neither 
public warnings, expostulations and reproofs, nor private ad- 
monitions and entreaties will be sufficient to preserve in all his 
people, that christian deportment, that consistency of conduct 
which would render unnecessary the infliction of public cen- 
sure. Sometimes it may become his painful duty to suspend from 
the sacraments, or excommunicate from the church an unruly 
member. In all such afflictive cases he is to act with impartiality, 
with firmness, with the most affectionate tenderness, accompa- 
nying every stroke with tears and prayers, that the offender 
may be reclaimed and restored to the communion of the church : 
and that others may fear and walk worthy of their profession. 

With the same view he is, on proper occasions, to administer 
the sacraments of baptism & the L ord's Supper, those seals of the 
covenant of grace. Too many will be found who expect these 
holy ordinances to operate, in a manner, very little, if at all, 
different from the charms and tricks of jugglers, without any 
correct knowledge of their design, or any suitable preparation 
of heart in those who receive them. Such opinions he must 
combat with all his zeal, and rescue, if possible, these chan- 
nels of mercy from this unhallowed degradation. He must 
labor to preserve them surrounded with all their native sim- 
plicity and dignity, as means of grace, intended to strengthen 
every pious affection, and improve the whole moral character. 

Another important duty of the pastor is, to preach the 

word. Without faith it is impossible to please God ; and 

faith cometh by hearing ; but how shall they hear without a 



id 

preacher P If he ever beholds the encouraging sight of care- 
less sinners awakened to a sense of their danger, of the dis- 
tressed finding peace, of christians, advancing towards perfeo 
lion, these pleasing effects he will consider as the fruit of that 
incorruptible seed which liveih and abideth forever. While, 
therefore, he ascribes, most unequivocally, the whole success 
of his ministry to the influences of the Holy Spirit, yet will he 
resort to the truth, as the grand instrument, used by the spirit 
in promoting that success. As he regards the prosperity of the 
church, the salvation of his hearers, he will feel it his great 
duty -to preach the word 5 to explain and enforce its doctrines 
and its precepts, its warnings and its invitations, its threatening 
and its promises with that affectionate earnestness, that en- 
lightened zeal whicb have a tendency to perfect the saints, to 
edify the body of Christ. 

But it is comparatively an easy task to preach the gospel 
so as to produce a favorable opinion of the talents, the learning, 
and even piety of the preacher, when, at the same time, his 
duty maybe so imperfectly discharged as to furnish no ground 
for the approbation of an enlightened conscience. To form a 
correct judgment of his preaching he must have a special re- 
ference to the effects which it is intended to produce. Its adap- 
tation to these effects is the very quality which stamps 
on it the highest value ; its other qualities may excite the ad- 
miration of the hearers ; but this alone ought to satisfy his, 
conscience in the sight of God. These effects, and of course 
the means best calculated to produce them, must vary according 
to the different state and character of his people. His dis- 
criminating mind will readily perceive that his hearers are, in 
fact, divided into three general classes — the careless and im» 
p enitent — the awakened and distressed — and the pious, or 
those who profess religion. 

The first class will generally be found to be the most nu- 
merous ; for to this we all, by nature, belong. These are to 
be transformed by the renewing of their minds 5 to be changed 
into lively stones, and then built up a spiritual house, a resi- 
dence for the Holy Spirit. The image of Satan, the deep 
impressions of sin are to be effaced ; and their character is to 
be adorned with all the beauty and loveliness of the Saviour's 
image. But how wide is the difference between the meek, the 
humble and penitent beaver, and the wordly minded, the 
careless and impenitent sinner ! • r ow great the change which 
they must experience : and how difficult the task to present 



if 

the means best calculated to produce that change ! In this 
class, although alike in their general character, wiiiyet be found 
many shades of difference in the features of that Character'. 
Their minds are alike surrounded with an atmosphere of pre- 
judices and passions which either resist or pervert the truth ; 
but these prejudices and passions present almost an endless 
variety, arising from the natural constitution, the age, the edu- 
cation, the society, the circumstances in life and the daily pur- 
suits of different individuals ; requiring a correspondent varie- 
ty in the preaching of the gospel to remove these prejudices 
and subdue these passions. To furnish this variety will task 
the judgment and skill of the preacher to the utmost extent. 
He must endeavor to find the readiest access to the heart, en- 
veloped as it is, in this dark and repulsive atmosphere. In 
attempting to remove one prejudice, or subdue one passion he 
must avoid every thing that would excite another. If the 
warnings, expostulations and entreaties of one attempt seem 
to fail, he must persevere with renewed exertions, still better 
^adapted, if possible, to produce the desired effect. He must 
not give up as hopeless and incorrigible those with whom God 
is still waiting with much long suffering and patience. He 
may often be discouraged, but ought not to despair. He 
knows not when the Divine Spirit may enlighten the darkest 
mind, touch and dissolve the hardest heart. He labors for 
the salvation of the soul, and this is inconceivably precious. 

Among the second class, the awakened and distressed, the 
prospect is more encouraging. The stillness and insensibility 
of death no longer grieve and discourage the heart of their pastor. 
He considers their anxious enquiries, their earnest desires and 
cries for mercy as pleasing indications of returning life. His 
hopes, indeed, are revived ; but mingled with many fears and 
painful apprehensions. Now, with gratitude and joy, he an- 
ticipates the moment when they Avill pass from death unto life, 
and be united by indissoluble bonds to the Saviour ; again he 
fears that ».hese impressions, like the morning cloud and early 
dew, may soon pass away, and leave the heart more insensible 
than before. Their feelings are excited, but they possess no correct 
xind practical knowledge to regulate these feelings The visions 
of the imagination may be mistaken for the realities of faith ; or 
the mere emotions of animal nature, for genuine religious affec- 
tions. It will be the duty of the pastor to watch with the 
closest attention, all the movements of this excitement. It will 
require all the skill and prudence he can derive from his know- 



18 

ledge of the human heart, from his own experience and from 
the oracles of truth, to furnish instruction and motives at once 
adapted to their general character, and to all the shades of dif- 
ference which diversify that character. 1 o these he will speak 
with the mild inviting voice of mercy ; unfolding to their views 
the glorious plan of redemption in the connexion of its parts 
and the fulness of its provision. To these he will preach the 
Lord Jesus Christ, exhibiting the majesty, and meekness, and 
love, and compassion of his character, as inducements to trust in 
the merit of his atoning blood for pardon and reconciliation with 
God. These labors of love must be continued till the dawn 
of hope shall authorise them to be ranked in the — 

r i bird class, embracing the pious, or those who profess 
religion. The same causes which diversify the general charac- 
ter of the two former classes, will operate here in all their ex- 
tent, together with those which are peculiar to a state of reli- 
gious experience. Of this class some are exposed to severe 
temptations ; some are distressed with doubts and fears ; 
some are sinking in despondency; some are weak in the 
faith; some are loitering in their race; some are sta- 
tionary ; some are stumbling and falling ; some are impel- 
led by a zeal, not according to knowledge ; and some, it is 
to be hoped, are increasing in knowledge and usefulness, 
adorning the doctrine of God their Saviour. Some, again, 
are babes, some young men, and some fathers in Christ. To 
furnish admonition, instruction, consolation and reproof adapt- 
ed to all these various cases will require a pastor well instruct- 
ed in the doctrine of the kingdom, who can present from his 
treasure things new and old. To provide for all this variety 
of wants will be the most noble work in which his talents, his 
learning and his zeal can be employed. These are the lambs 
of Christ who have committed themselves to his pastoral care. 
These are the purchase of the Redeemers blood, whose names 
are in the hook of life. These are the children of God, whom he 
is to educate for the courts of their Father in Heaven. T hese 
are joint heirs with Christ, whom he is to train up for the 
inheritance of the saints in light. These are soon to be uni- 
ted with an innumerable company of angels, and to shine with 
a glory far excelling the brightness of the sun. Never, there 
fore, were talents and learning employed in promoting a more 
honorable cause — a cause in which angels rejoice to be em- 
ployed : in which the Son of God himself labored, and suffered 
and died ! With what diligence then, will not the faithful 



19 

pastor persevere in the work of the ministry, when he per- 
ceives that work to be connected with the glories and happiness 
of eternity ! He will bear on his heart the beloved peopta 
committed to his charge, and cherish them as a nurse cherish- 
eth her children. He will exhort, and comfort, and charge ev- 
ery one of them, as a father doth his children^ animating them 
to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of 
God in Christ Jesus. They are his hope, his joy, his crown 
of rejoicing in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at his 
appearing, lie will, therefore, cheerfully spend his life in 
warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom ; 
that he may present every man perfect in Chrisi Jesus. 

Such is the manner in which every faithful pastor should 
endeavor to preach the gospel ; not uncertainly, or as one who 
beateih the air, without a specific object to accomplish. The 
object of his ministry should be accurately defined, and welj 
understood, to the accomplishment of which all his efforts 
should continually be directed. If his preaching be calculat- 
ed to answer this purpose, it must be carefully adapted to all 
the characters, and shades of character, which diversify his 
people ; otherwise he will not rightly divide the word of truth :■ 
and if not, he will have reason to he ashamed. Bis preaching 
should be calculated to awaken the impenitent, to comfort the 
distressed, and to confirm and animate the christian. But while 
attempting to rouse the careless, he must avoid giving unneces- 
sary pain to the heart already broken for sin ; and while the 
broken heart is healed, the conscience of the guilty must not be 
quieted. Asa wise and faithful steward he must endeavor to 
give each one his portion in due season. 

His style should be, at once, simple and perspicuous, yet 
energetic and dignified, calculated to instruct the ignorant, to 
enlighten the illiterate, without giving just cause of offence to 
the most correct taste, to the most improved understanding. 
He should endeavor, through the perspicuity of his language, 
to elevate the weakest mind by enabling it to form clear and 
impressive conceptions of divine truth, while the importance 
of his message, the grandeur of his subject should a\te into 
reverence the strongest intellect. He should preach with that 
zeal and affection which would not require a single effort in 
his hearers to perceive that he is deeply in earnest and much 
concerned for the success of his ministry ; that he is not aim- 
ing to proselyte them to a party, but 10 turn them from dark 
nessto light, and from the power of Satan to God} that he is 



Hot laboring to excite their admiration of his talents, or learn 
ing, or eloquence, or even his zeal ; but their fears of everlast- 
ing misery, their sorrow for sin, their faith in Jesus Christ, 
their love to God, their hopes and desires for heaven. 

Thus will he be a good steward of the manifold grace of 
God ; thus will he approve himself unto God ; thus will he 
save both himself and those who hear him ; and thus will the 
object of his ministry be, through divine grace, accomplished. 

My brethren in the ministry, let us frequently and seri- 
ously reflect on these things ; let us often consider with what 
honesty and zeal we are laboring to discharge the duties of 
that office with which we are invested. The frequent review 
of these duties, the frequent recollection of our own solemn 
promises, cannot render us, as pasters of the church, less faith- 
ful and diligent ; but the neglect of this review and of this re- 
collection may suffer the duties to vanish out of sight. Our 
hearers are daily departing to the judgment seat of Christ — 
But I trust it is unnecessary further to pursue this train of 
thought. If we have been enabled to be faithful, let us thank 
God, and persevere; but if we cannot evade the painful recollec- 
tion of deficiencies — and,0 ! thou searcher of hearts, who, in thy 
sight is clear of the charge, let us plead for quickening grace, re- 
new our promises, and return with invigorated zeal to the work 
of the ministry. We may, indeed, exclaim with Paul, whs is 
sufficient for thesz tilings f but we must fly with him to the 
same refuge, remembering that our sufficiency is of God. 

Permit me, my brother, to remind you that the office which 
you desire, and with which you are now t© be invested, is a 
work ; not an amusement, or a sinecure. A work necessarily 
implies the idea of labor, of exertions : exertions, again, ne- 
cessarily involve the consideration of difficulties which are te 
be met and surmounted, of opposition which is to be encoun- 
tered and overcome. You are not ignorant from whence these 
difficulties, and from what quarter this opposition may be ex- 
pected. Y'ur knowledge of the human heart, its native and 
deep rooted aversion to religion ; of this world, its infectious 
example, its poisonous opinions and maxims, its dangerous and 
seductive temptations; of the powers of darkness leagued o- 
gether, their malignity; their subtlety, their unwearied a< i 
vity against the cause in which you arc engaged, will present 
themfin sad abundance, to your view. But, be not discoura- 
ged It is the cause of God aivl of truth, and will prevail. You 
will be aided by the pray< . - of your pious people, and of all 



who feel interested in the prosperity of this congregation. All 
the divine perfections are pledged for your assistance. You 
are to be a co-worker with God ; the great head of the church 
will be with you ; the divine spirit will assist you. It is there- 
fore a noble, an honorable, and a good work in which you are 
to be employed. When the splendors of wealth, of king- 
doms, of the world shall have passed away, the glories re- 
sulting from the work of the ministry shall remain. 

Remember also that the office in which you are thus to 
labor is a gift — a rich, invaluable gift, given by the exalted 
Redeemer : as such it is mentioned in the text ; as such it is 
represented in relation to Timothy ; as such it was considered 
by the Apostle Paul, and drew from his heart the most devout 
expressions of gratitude. It is a rich and invaluable gift ; for 
it was purchased with the labor, the prayers, the tears, the suf- 
ferings, the groans, the blood of the dear Saviour. 'W hen 
you are permitted to warn the impenitent transgressor of his 
danger, to pour into the wounded soul the consolations of mer- 
cy, to animate the hopes of the pious, is it not a privilege ? 
When you hear from the awakened sinner that interesting in- 
quiry — ivhat must I do to be saved, is it not a privilege that 
you can point him to the lamb of God who taketh away the sin 
of the world ? When you meet the disciple of Jesus Christ, 
tempted, discouraged, and almost sinking in despondency, how 
dear is the privilege of directing his eye to the cross of Christ 
for support and consolation? When you visit the dying bid. 
of the christian, and find the soul lingering out its last moments, 
just taking its flight for eternity, casting on you its last, anxi- 
ous look for comfort and encouragement, how piercing to your 
heart would be that look, if you had not the promises of mercy, 
the rich provisions of sovereign grace to offer ? If pardon it- 
self is a blessing of infinite value, it is a precious privilege to 
be authorised, in the name of Jesus Christ, to offer that par- 
don. To rescue from death a fellow- creature, and restore him 
again, though but for a few short years, to his friends, would 
be a source of the most pleasing and grateful reflections : Few 
much more so to be instrumental in converting a sinner from 
the error of Jus way, and thus saving a soul from death, and 
restoring it to the joys of a life that shall never end ? If, on 
the eve of some holy S abba ill, when you anticipate the pros- 
pect of going up to the house of God, it should be communi- 
cated to you, respecting some of your people, that this night 
their souh should he re^ni^doftne^ihxilihtxi ? vd your in tehees- 



%% 

sion, they should be spared, not one year, but one day longer: 
or if the message should come to you, as to Hezekiah of oldy 
set thine house in order ; for thou shall die and not live ; but 
in answer to your prayers, one day should be added to your 
life, that under this impression you might deliver your last mes- 
sage — in either case, how would you feel, and how would you 
preach ! and how great a privilege would you not esteem it to 
be permitted to warn, to admonish, to comfort and animate your 
people once more, before the final separation ! Well, it is with 
this very design that you and they are spared from week to 
week, that you may preach, and they may hear the gospel ; 
and neither you nor they can tell, but every time may be the 
last. Or if, when you and your people shall appear before 
the ju lament seat of Christ, you should there see some of them 
(0, painf ill thought) placed on the left hand, every moment ex- 
pecting to be driven from the presence of the Lord, and plun- 
ged into eternal despair ; if the Judge, arrayed in all the ma- 
jesty and glory of that tremendous day, should turn to you and 
say — Go to these criminals ; go, and offer them pardon in my 
name ; if they accept of it, their sentence is reversed, and they 
are restored to mv favor ; vour commission is but for a short 
time and will soon be recalled — With what minsled emotions 
of trembling and cheerfulness would you not Ay with this good 
news , with this message of mercy ? with what zeal and pathos 
would you not urge them to accept of this pardon ? as an in- 
ducement for their acceptance, at one moment pointing their 
attention to the burning gulph that opens and thunders and 
moves from below to meet their fall ; at another, to the joys 
and glories of heaven waiting to receive them ; now, display- 
ing to their view the infinite mercy, the love, the compassion 
of him in who^e name you speak ; again reminding them of 
the shortness of the time : that another moment and your com- 
mission may be recalled — Feeling this consideration yourself, 
how would it call forth every power of the soul ! not knowing 
but every word might be the last, with what earnestness, and tears 
and prayers would you not invite, and entreat, and beseech them 
to be reconciled to the Judge? and with what astonishment and 
grief would you not witness their indifference or rejection of 
this pardon ? Well, this is the very commission you now 
bear ; this pardon you are now authorised to offer in the name 
of Christ, as his ambassador ; the same motives and argu- 
ments may now be used to urge the acceptance of it. The 
great object of your ministry is to beseech your people to be 



m 

reconciled to God, and escape the terrors of that day when the 
voice of mercy will be heard no more. Is it not, therefore, a 
gift which vou are about to receive? a gift conferred on yon 
for the beneiit of your people. Those grateful emotions which 
it ought to excite will sweeten the labor which it implies. 

Li was mentioned that your pious people would help yon 
with their prayers : shall we be permitted to ask the members 
of this congregation, is this intimation true ? Shall we let it 
remain for the support and encouragement of your pastor, or 
shall we recall the promise, and tell him, that if he is deter 
mined to undertake the duties of this office, he must not ex- 
pect the assistance of your prayers ? Do not your hearts 
with all the warmth of pious affection, reply — no ! Let it re- 
main : we will verify the promise : we will pray for him. We 
gee iie arduous task, the numerous and difficult duties he is 
about to undertake on our account, and we will support him 
w li our prayers. Be it so : the promise shall not be recalled. 
God is witness to the pledge you have given. But will you 
not support and encourage him by all other means in your pow- 
er ? Parents, will you not aid him by your instructions, 
your example, by the prudent exercise of your parental 
authority in training up your children in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord; in teaching them to love and 
reverence religion? Beloved youth, what encouragement 
will you give? Will you remember your Creator in the 
days of your youth ? Will you embrace religion, become 
the disciples of Jesus Christ, dedicate yourselves to the ser- 
vice of God in the morning of life, and thus animate the heart 
of your pastor with the precious hope that when your fathers 
and mothers are laid in the grave, you will be ready, and wil- 
ling to fill their places in the church, and support the worship 
of God ? or will you, neglecting religion, pursue the pleasures 
and amusements of the world, and thus deprive him of this 
hope ? Bear little children, you are interested in the transac- 
tions of this day. When you see us lay our hands on the head 
of this man, and pray for* him, remember that we are then ap- 
pointing him to teach you the knowledge of God and religion. 
Wherever you see him then say to yourselves — this is the 
man who is to pray for us, and teach us the way to heaven : 
There may you, your parents, and your pastor finally meet, 
and spend eternity in ascribing salvation, and glory, and ho 
nor to God and the Lam?). Amen. 




I 

LIQ 



LIBRARY OF C0NGRE ^, 

022 168 905 7 % 



